1960 MG MGA Mk1 Roadster

Highlights

  • A great example of a lightly used MGA with only 4 owners and a reported 42,000 miles approximately
  • In the same enthusiastic ownership from 1964 to 2010 – a former garage owner
  • A detailed and diarised history from the third owner – between 2010 and 2021

The Appeal


The original MGA design was loosely based on a Le Mans racing car designed by MG in the 1950’s. Such a departure from previous versions was it that it was dubbed the MGA, representing “the first of a new line.”
The profile and specification of the MGA was thoroughly modern for a model introduced in 1955. Innovations such as independent suspension, rack and pinion steering and a body-on-frame design helped ensure its success. Over 100,000 were sold, with a whopping 95% of production being exported.

The History and Paperwork

  • A 62-year-old car with just four owners and having covered a shade over 40,000 miles
  • A confirmed MK1 car despite the 1622cc engine and the MKII badging
  • Bought new in 1960 by the first owner
  • Acquired by the second owner in 1964 where the original color changed and was owned and cherished by him until 2010
  • Body and mechanical refresh in 1999
  • Acquired by the third owner at that point who diligently diarised his ownership period
  • Passed to the third owner’s wife on his sad passing in 2020
  • Acquired by the current owner from the third owner’s family in 2021
  • A fascinating paperwork file providing copious details of the car’s history and ownership
  • Pre-eminent amongst these is the third owner’s handwritten logbook (sample pages pictured) detailing every aspect of his ten years plus ownership
  • The file also includes a large number of invoices and numerous hard copy MOT’s
  • There are also various old registration documents on-hand
  • A British Motor Industry Heritage Trust certified copy of a factory record is also included
  • The MGA is registered as a historic vehicle and, as such, is understood to be MOT and VED exempt
  • Despite that a current MOT is present as reassurance to the new owner
  • Please note:  THE PRIVATE PLATE IS NOT SOLD WITH THE VEHICLE

The Interior

  • An attractive interior awash with gauges, buttons and period charm
  • Trimmed in crimson coloured vinyl and with seats and door cards, dash facing and cappings all presenting in excellent overall condition
  • Carpets appear original and have faded a little compared to the seats, dash and door cards. These could easily be dyed or replaced if required
  • The large Motalita three spoke alloy and wooden steering wheel is in great condition
  • A range of chrome rimmed gauges and dials dominate the dash, and all appear to be in working condition
  • A period correct, chrome faced push button radio is fitted
  • Complete with a two-piece zipped tonneau cover (pictured)

For those used to the minimal, screen-driven interiors of modern cars this interior will be a revelation. It is a joyful place to spend time with its bright crimson trim conjuring up a vibrant ambiance, even on the dullest of days. The plethora of dials, levers and knobs provides a real time-warp feel to the interior. It is all in excellent condition too, with everything reported to work as it should.

The Exterior

  • The exterior of the MGA is finished in period Snowberry White and is understood to have been applied in around 1999 / 2000
  • The paintwork is in good condition considering its age with only a couple of small areas of cracking being evident on close inspection
  • The bodywork appears to be well presented with panel gaps appearing tight and true
  • Doors, bonnet and boot open and close cleanly and positively
  • There is some minor deformation to the bottom seam of the offside sill 
  • Period wire wheels are fitted with chrome plated twin eared spinners to the centres
  • The wheels (the spare is also a wire wheel) are in excellent overall condition
  • Wheels are fitted with quality Continental Contact tyres in the correct 165/80 R15 configuration
  • The original hood and side screens are present and in great condition (pictured)

This MGA delivers a true British sports car external ambiance with a low, sleek profile, wire wheels, bright chrome work and a popular period colourway. Just looking at it makes you want to jump aboard and head for the highways and byways. It is no surprise that this car epitomised the Great British sports car for so many worldwide for so many years.

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The Mechanics

  • At some point during its second ownership, believed to be around the early 1970’s, the car was fitted with an uprated 1622cc high-compression engine
  • This is likely to be rated at 90bhp plus and delivers power to the rear wheels via a four-speed gearbox
  • The new owner will benefit from diligent logging of all mechanical work undertaken by the third owner between 2010 and 2020
  • Key highlights include gearbox reconditioning, clutch slave and master cylinders, water pump and hoses, new manifold gasket
  • It is clear from this documentation that this is a very fastidiously maintained classic MG

The current owner attests to the excellent operation of the mechanical systems of this MG. Such is his confidence in its condition that he has used it for school runs on a number of occasions. Despite it being MOT exempt he has also had it MOT’d to provide the upmost reassurance as to the excellent mechanical condition of this MGA.

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Summary

Just a quick look at our photographic package, detailing the car and its fascinating paperwork archive, will demonstrate what an interesting and charming example this MGA is. Firstly, it is in great condition for 60+ year old car. It looks good from every angle and is immediately ready for a summer of use and enjoyment.

It is also such a lightly used car considering its years. A very low mileage and only four very diligent owners is a remarkable history for a car of this age. This is certainly a car well placed to provide its new owner with many more years of use and enjoyment.

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Although every care is taken to ensure this listing is as factual and transparent as possible, all details within the listing are subject to the information provided to us by the seller. Car & Classic does not take responsibility for any information missing from the listing. Please ensure you are satisfied with the vehicle description and all information provided before placing a bid.

As is normal for most auctions, this vehicle is sold as seen, and therefore the Sale of Goods Act 1979 does not apply. All bids are legally binding once placed. Any winning bidder who withdraws from a sale, is subject to our bidders fee charge. Please see our FAQs and T&C's for further information. Viewings of vehicles are encouraged, but entirely at the seller's discretion.

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Vehicle specification
  • Year 1960
  • Make MG
  • Model MGA MK1
  • Colour White
  • Odometer 21,903 Miles
  • Engine size 1622
Auction Details
  • Seller Type Private
  • Town Saffron Walden
  • Location Essex
  • Country United Kingdom
Bidding history
34 bids
  • mi•••• £27,500 22/05/22
  • st•••• £27,250 22/05/22
  • st•••• £27,000 22/05/22
  • Lo•••• £26,750 22/05/22
  • Lo•••• £26,500 22/05/22
  • st•••• £26,250 22/05/22
  • Lo•••• £26,000 22/05/22
  • st•••• £25,750 22/05/22
  • Lo•••• £25,500 22/05/22
  • st•••• £25,250 22/05/22
Message C&C Auction Team

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